Tuesday, June 4, 2002

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Nick Ianucci tossed a complete game allowing an unearned run as Bishop Eustace defeated St. Rose 3-1 and win the South Jersey Parochial B Championship. Eustace will now face Montclair Kimberly on Saturday for the state Parochial B Championship. After Eustace took a 1-0 lead in the first inning scoring on a passed ball, St. Rose loaded the bases in the second inning with one out. Ianucci escaped trouble as shortstop Joe Ambrozy went deep in the hole and started an inning ending double play.

In this year's Parochial B bracket, Gloucester Catholic was the team that had the reputation of "The Team To Beat". So when St. Rose of Belmar defeated the Rams from Gloucester Catholic (6-1), the Purple Roses were the team with the momentum going into this championship game. The second-seeded St. Rose was in the driver's seat going up against the fourth-seeded Crusaders.

After St. Rose tied the game at 1-1 in the third inning on a fielder's choice groundout, Eustace took a 2-1 lead as pinch runner Nolan Grinovics scored from third on a groundout beating a throw that was wide of the plate. Meanwhile Ianucci was breezing along, seemingly getting stronger and only needed six pitches in the fifth inning to retire St. Rose. Ambrozy came through at the plate as well, doubling in Dan Dillon in the seventh inning to give Eustace a 3-1 lead. Down to there last at bat St. Rose got their lead off man on, but Ambrozy made a diving stop of a ball hit up the middle and started a double play that sealed the victory.